"Farming is the only thing we do, which means we focus on the business of raising crops in Central Illinois -- and doing it the best way we know how.

Pete Pistorius

Pete Pistorius, 35, has been involved in the farming operation since childhood and officially became part of the operation 14 years ago after graduating from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Agribusiness. In 2000, Pete completed the Illinois Soybean Association's SoyLeader Program and later was selected for the 2002 class of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. In 2005 he successfully completed the Syngenta Leadership at Its Best program and in 2007 was selected to the Prairie Farmer Cultivating Master Farmers Program. Pete has also completed his first year of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers in which he will finish in January 2012. Pete constantly and actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge of agriculture, participating in continuing education programs and leadership roles.

Pete is involved in the Blue Mound Lion's Club, Director of the Illinois Soybean Association, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Blue Mound Fire Department. He and his wife Megan have three children, Emma, Isabel and Olivia. Both Pete and his wife are active in their community and are members of the First Christian Church of Decatur.

Although he has only officially farmed for 14 years, Pete has the primary leadership role in the operation and makes it his goal to set the standards for modern farm production. Pete stays on top of all agricultural issues and is responsible for all grain marketing, input purchases, and crop planning.

Pete can be reached at (217) 433-3752 or by email at pete@pistoriusfarms.com.